Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are an important part of your electrical system’s built-in protection. These devices, which can detect and cut off electrical currents, are necessary for preventing electrical hazards and injuries. Learn how GFCI/GFI outlets work, when it’s time for a repair or replacement, and how QRC’s team can provide expert GFCI/GFI installation and repair services in North Carolina.
What are GFCI/GFI Outlets?
Referred to interchangeably as GFCI or GFI outlets, these devices are specialized electrical devices with built-in circuit breakers. GFCI/GFI outlets monitor your home’s electrical currents for irregularities, such as excessive or abnormal flow, and immediately disconnect power. Instead of relying on the circuit breaker to interrupt the circuit, which requires the current to travel to the breaker, the GFCI outlet trips right away.
This response is essential for preventing a lethal dose of electricity, which can happen instantly. By shutting off power within milliseconds of detecting irregularities, GFCI outlets can prevent ground faults, where the electrical current flows outside the intended circuit and naturally looks for the most immediate path to the ground. You may still feel a shock, but the outlet otherwise protects you from currents that can result in serious injury or fatality.
GFCI outlets generally look like regular outlets but with test and reset buttons. After the outlet trips, you can push the GFCI’s reset button to restore the circuit if it’s safe.
Types of GFCI/GFI outlets
There are three main types of GFCI/GFI outlets. These include:
- GFCI receptacle: The most common type of GFCI device are the standard GFCI/GFI receptacles which protect one outlet from ground faults. An electrician can also wire the receptacle to protect multiple outlets.
- GFCI circuit breaker: Installed in your breaker box, this device can protect an entire room or circuit from ground faults, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
- Portable GFCI: With various designs that adapt to regular outlets, portable GFCI outlets offer temporary protection. They’re generally reserved for construction sites or when using power and garden tools, and they’re not suitable as long-term solutions.
Where are GFCI/GFI Outlets Required?
GFCI requirements, according to National Electrical Code standards, include these areas:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundry areas
- Garages
- Wet bar sinks
- Utility sinks
- Outdoors
- Underwater pool lighting
- Crawl spaces and unfinished basements
GFCI outlets are essential in these areas because of their proximity to water, which is a major conductor of electricity and one of the most common causes of ground faults. These areas are therefore more prone to electrocution accidents than other places in your home. By that reasoning, the benefits of GFCI outlets aren’t limited to the required areas — any area in your home with close proximity to water or moisture, such as under window sills, behind side tables, and in the dining room.
Signs Your GFCI/GFI Outlet Needs Repair or Replacement
Recognizing the signs of GFCI outlet malfunction is essential for your home’s safety.
Failure to reset
Test your outlet periodically — push the test button, confirm the power is off, then press reset and check for power. If the outlet doesn’t restore power when you push the reset button, it may be damaged or worn out.
No power
No power supply to or from the GFCI outlet often indicates a problem with wiring or internal components.
Frequent tripping
If your GFCI outlet trips often, it can signal several issues. The outlet may have recurring ground faults, damaged components, or wiring problems.
Visible damage
Cracks or breaks in the outlet casing suggest damage to the device that may also affect internal components. Scorch marks or discoloration suggest electrical damage and hazards that require prompt professional attention.
Age
GFCI outlets can gradually wear out and become less effective at detecting current irregularities. If your outlet is older than 10 years, have an electrician inspect it to ensure its proper function.
Sparking or buzzing
Like scorch marks, sparking or buzzing signals imminent electrical hazards and can lead to shocks and electrical fire. Disconnect power from the circuit breaker, and contact a technician to address the issue.
GFCI Outlet Installation and Repair Services
GFCI outlet installation and repair services from QRC help ensure compliance with electrical codes and safety requirements. Licensed, bonded, and insured, our electrical team possesses the essential skills and experience to correctly, safely, and efficiently install and repair GFCI outlets.
Our electrical installation services provide you customized placement and wiring for comprehensive GFCI protection against ground faults. After GFCI outlet wiring, installation, or replacement, we’ll test the system for safe and effective function. If GFCI testing shows they aren’t working as they should, we can diagnose and repair malfunctioning outlets to restore safe operation to your home.
Call QRC for GFCI Outlet Installation and Repair Services in Winston-Salem
GFCI outlets are essential and required for protecting your home from electrical hazards. Whether you need GFCI replacement of worn or outdated outlets, installation for remodels or new buildings, or outlet repair, our electricians in Winston-Salem provide high-quality workmanship and customer service.
Don’t hesitate to get professional support when your GFCI outlets aren’t working. Contact us or book online today to maximize the safety and convenience of your electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions About GFCI Outlets
Is it safe to use an extension cord with a GFCI/GFI outlet?
You can safely use extension cords with GFCI outlets if the cord is high-quality, properly rated for the intended electrical load, and compatible with the device it’s powering. Don’t overload the extension cord’s capacity, and replace cords with wear, fraying, or other damage.
Do I need to have GFCI/GFI outlets in older homes?
Older homes often don’t comply with current electrical codes and may not have GFCI outlets in required or hazard-prone areas. Replacing standard outlets with GFCI outlets can modernize the safety of an older home without making major changes to the wiring system.